

Deep Questions with Cal Newport
Cal Newport
Cal Newport is a computer science professor and a New York Times bestselling author who writes about the impact of technology on society, and the struggle to work and live deeply in a world increasingly mired in digital distractions. On this podcast, he answers questions from his readers and offers advice about cultivating focus, productivity, and meaning amidst the noise that pervades our lives.
Episodes
Mentioned books

245 snips
Sep 19, 2022 • 1h 26min
Ep. 214: Quiet Quitting
Explore the rising trend of 'quiet quitting' and its implications for work-life balance in today's post-pandemic world. Discover tips for inspiring children's motivation and insights into effective writing practices. Hear about the advantages of using Obsidian for note-taking and real-life success stories related to productivity. Plus, navigate the impact of media overload on mental health, urging a shift towards engaging in local communities and pursuing personal hobbies for fulfillment.

307 snips
Sep 12, 2022 • 1h 30min
Ep. 213: The Art Of Saying No
Explore the essential art of saying no, examining its psychological impact and strategies for setting boundaries in our busy lives. Discover how to conquer anxiety tied to structured schedules and find the balance between commitment and spontaneity. The discussion also delves into prioritizing personal development with a framework of deep life buckets. Learn about career planning and the shift towards human-centric work processes, emphasizing flexibility and reflection to align your professional journey with personal values.

163 snips
Sep 5, 2022 • 1h 36min
Ep. 212: The Productivity Dragon Returns
Explore whether four-day workweeks can effectively combat burnout while considering deeper structural changes for better work-life balance. Hear insights on how to manage schedules, including reflections on the 'Follow Your Passion' advice. Delve into the future of computing and augmented reality's impact on consumer tech. The discussion encourages a more humane approach to productivity, touching on strategies for effective time management and the evolving role of smartwatches in enhancing focus amidst distractions.

506 snips
Aug 29, 2022 • 1h 16min
Ep. 211: How Cal Organizes His Life
Dive into Cal's life organization strategies with tips on improving task estimation. Explore the downsides of open office spaces and how they affect productivity. Listen to discussions on the value of podcasts in the reading ecosystem. Get advice on planning weddings without drowning in details. Reflect on rekindling love for work and resetting ambitions after burnout. Plus, tackle the challenges of self-comparison in academia while fostering a balanced lifestyle. It's all about clarity and personal development!

235 snips
Aug 22, 2022 • 1h 8min
Ep. 210: Visions of a Deep Life
Explore the transformative journey of media content creation and its implications on trust and misinformation. Discover practical strategies for navigating the digital landscape, including effective project management. Learn how batching emails can affect stress levels at work and what to do about it. Delve into the importance of dedicated workspaces for remote employees, and see how aligning career choices with personal fulfillment can lead to greater life satisfaction. Get ready for actionable insights that enhance productivity and well-being!

131 snips
Aug 15, 2022 • 1h 12min
Ep. 209: Email and Living with Purpose
Dive into the rise of TikTok and how it's reshaping the social media landscape, leaving giants like Facebook and Instagram in its wake. Discover effective strategies for managing emails, including whether you really need multiple accounts and how to achieve 'Inbox Zero.' Explore the importance of pacing for productivity and balancing diverse interests while seeking a more meaningful life. Plus, find out how to use 'deep life buckets' for focus and fulfillment.

468 snips
Aug 8, 2022 • 1h 22min
Ep. 208: To-Do Lists Are Inhumane
Discover the troubles of overwhelming to-do lists and find effective strategies to tackle them. Explore the crucial differences between deep and shallow work, and learn how to streamline productivity. Delve into innovative marketing tactics for books beyond social media and hear about fascinating connections between gambling strategies and finance. Unpack methods to manage creative anxiety and maintain a healthy balance between idea generation and execution, ensuring a fulfilling professional life.

83 snips
Aug 2, 2022 • 1h 30min
Ep. 207: A Digital Minimalism Intervention (w/ JAMIE KILSTEIN)
Jamie Kilstein, a comedian and podcast pioneer known for his candid discussions about mental health, reveals his journey toward digital minimalism. He shares the challenges of social media's impact on mental well-being and the emotional toll of constant connectivity. Through humor and storytelling, Jamie discusses his personal experiment with digital decluttering, the importance of authentic connections, and the joy of real-life experiences. The conversation is a refreshing blend of comedy and insightful reflections on life beyond the screen.

79 snips
Jul 25, 2022 • 49min
Ep 206 – Striving to do less
Explore Ian Fleming's meticulous writing process and how planning shaped his creativity. Discover strategies for landing tech jobs without traditional credentials and thrive in chaotic work environments. Delve into the dynamics of social media, productivity insights from Oliver Burkeman, and tips for effective studying in medical school. Reflect on creating connections after moving to rural areas, proving that vibrant social lives can flourish even in quieter settings.

63 snips
Jul 18, 2022 • 1h 7min
Ep. 205: Why I’m a Bad Correspondent
In a solo session, the host dives into ten intriguing questions. He reflects on his shortcomings as a correspondent and discusses the balance between self-study and formal education. There's a spirited debate about whether temperament should dictate career choices. The conversation also touches on the importance of teaching deep work in schools and the evolving dynamics of the podcasting industry. Additionally, he shares insights on maintaining a digital minimalist lifestyle after welcoming a baby.


